Sports Minister promises an end to Harambee Stars’ struggles of playing home games abroad

Harambee Stars will play their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon on home soil for the first time in nearly two years, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has confirmed.

The assurance comes as the government fast-tracks renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, ending a frustrating period of hosting matches abroad that has deprived the national team of vital home support.

Mvurya stated that there is no need for concern, as the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums will be ready for use before the Stars’ next international engagement. 

The team has endured a lack of home support for at least five matches and will aim to revitalise their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in March when they host Gabon for matchday five. 

“For sure they (Harambee) Stars will play in Kenya because by then we would have finished the works for Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums. We will play without any worry because we have promised to stick to our plans for the refurbishment of the infrastructure and we will ensure they are completed within the set times,” CS Mvurya told People Sport. 

Had the CHAN tournament taken place as initially scheduled for next month, it could have been a blessing for Harambee Stars, as the approval of the two city arenas by CAF would have allowed the national side to play at home. 

However, a section of local football enthusiasts has expressed concerns that the postponement of CHAN to August could slow down the progress of sports infrastructure development. 

Mvurya dismissed those concerns, stating that the Ministry of Sports and the government remain fully committed to completing the renovation works. 

Rennovations on track

“There is no looking back as far as the stadium renovation deadline is concerned. We will continue according to our plans and set timelines,” Mvurya added. 

One of the factors cited as contributing to Harambee Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was the absence of a home venue during the qualifiers. 

Stars were forced to host Zimbabwe and Cameroon at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, while Namibia was hosted in Polokwane for their last group home game, which ended in a frustrating draw. 

Kenyan fans also missed the opportunity to watch African champions Ivory Coast in Nairobi, as the match was moved to the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

In the CHAN qualifiers late last year, Kenya hosted South Sudan at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. 

The immediate former Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat, publicly expressed his frustration on several occasions, lamenting the absence of home support caused by playing away. 

The last time Kenya played on home soil was in a friendly against South Sudan at the Kasarani Stadium in September 2023, a match the visitors won 1-0. 

Critical fiesta

The upcoming CHAN tournament is critical for the development of the country’s sporting infrastructure.

However, before the tournament takes place, the authorities must ensure the venues meet the stipulated standards set by CAF to allow Harambee Stars to play at home for the first time in nearly two years. 

For this to happen, Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums need to achieve at least category 3 status, as required by the continental football governing body. 

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will also need to request an inspection from CAF ahead of next month to secure approval for either venue for the crucial World Cup Qualifier against Gabon. 

Should the match be staged in Nairobi, it would serve as an excellent test for the revamped Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, as well as for the upgraded training grounds at Police Sacco Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex and Kasarani Annex